by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Next Sunday, November 29th marks the first Sunday of Advent. The word “advent”, derived from the Latin word adventus, means “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.” For followers of Jesus, the season of Advent serves a dual purpose of celebration and anticipation. We celebrate the arrival and incarnation of God in Jesus Christ, while also anticipating his second coming. It is a season filled with expectancy, preparation, anticipation, longing and hope.

Advent is the first season of the traditional church’s calendar year. The season includes Christmas and the four preceding Sundays. In light of this, next week we will begin our celebration of Advent. We’ll light candles to remember the arrival of the “light of the world” (John 8:12), read scripture anticipating the incarnation of “Love” itself (1 John 4:8,16), sing songs declaring that God has come to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), and prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ first coming (Luke 2:11) while anticipating his next (Acts 1:11).

With all of the stress, traffic jams, parties, visits to the mall, shopping lists, and awkward relatives this season tends to throw at us, I recommend taking time to prepare for Advent. Don’t allow busyness nor familiarity with the season to distract from its central message – God’s rescuer and redeemer has come to live our life, die our death and rise again to destroy sin, death and evil in order to bring redeemed sinners together (the church) under God’s gracious rule for the renewal of all things (mission).

Here are some suggestions:

#1 Jesus not Santa. The central figure of Christmas is Jesus, not Santa (more on him later!). Take time throughout Advent to connect with Jesus through Bible reading, prayer, repentance, fasting, service, community, and other disciplines. Reflect on Jesus’ advent in your own life and who you’d be apart from him. It will bring new meaning to this season – and your life.

#2 The Giver not the Gifts. It is all too easy to make this season about the gifts and not the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17). Let this season point us to our greatest treasure and our pearl of great price. (Mt 13:44-45) We already have all that we need in Him.

#3 Serve don’t Consume. Jesus came to serve us (Mt 20:28) so we should be compelled to serve others, especially during this season. Consider, for example, partnering with Advent Conspiracy, Union Gospel Mission, or the White Center Food Bank.

#4 Enjoy! God created egg nog, gifts, relatives, cards, trees, decorations, music, and parties to be enjoyed. These lesser-joys are intended to point us to Jesus as our greatest joy. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).

Because Baby Jesus Came to Destroy Sin, Death and Evil!
Adam Sinnett